When Filipino and American Culture's Clash

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Celebrations...

Americans - less people, less often, limited to birthdays and the major holidays, and it's over in a couple of hours.

Filipinos - everyone and their brother shows up, happens nearly every week because somebody's getting married, their baby's getting baptized or it's someone's birthday, and the party will last until you unplug the videoke machine.

...............

American spouses, your thoughts?

Pinoy/Pinays, have you noticed the differences?

Edited February 13, 2009 by Mister Fancypants

[JelloShotGirl 0]

Yeah my husband notices the difference............although my family is BIG on Birthdays and BBQs and stuff. My husband is still in awe that we get so little days off from work LOL! He thought inauguration day everyone would have a day off from work..........hehehe ....he is wondering why on "holidays" a lot of people have to go into work.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

My husband is still in awe that we get so little days off from work LOL! He thought inauguration day everyone would have a day off from work..........hehehe ....he is wondering why on "holidays" a lot of people have to go into work.

My wife was the same way. I do admire that Filipinos love to celebrate, but I'm hoping my wife can see that sometimes having just a small celebration can be good too. My parents really downplayed birthdays - my mother would make us a nice dinner and some cake...no birthday parties. We just went to a Filipino birthday party for a 9 yr. old. It was incredibly expensive and chaotic. I just thought to myself, 'what a waste of time and money.'

[DARUMA07 25]

I have noticed a very big difference Steven.... When I was over there in the Philippines to see Ruchie, I had to go to a birthday party and WOW was it loud. I myself didn't have parties growing up and I really never cared about attending Birthday Parties that were too over done. I know it is the culture over there, but I am glad I don't have to worry about a party every week over here. My wife could attend one everyday if she had the chance. Not me!!!!!!

[Jasman0717 9]

I love the way Filipinos are. My family was really close when my grandmother was alive but then it went the way of the rest of America after she passed. My daughters are very family oriented so I am truly happy for that.

[Besame Mucho 1]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

Yes, you lovely Spanish-blooded Princess...it's good to see you are above it all, but gracious enough to come on here and remind us how lowly we are compared to you.

[Ban Hammer 13,098]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

Yes, you lovely Spanish-blooded Princess...it's good to see you are above it all, but gracious enough to come on here and remind us how lowly we are compared to you.

[rheanick 42]

I'm not sure about this. Compared to my USC hubby, when it comes to celebration, im the one who wants it small and intimate. Im the one telling him to limit the people who will be invited, and limited the time too.

Celebrations... definitely not few hours... On his coming birthday next year, he already warned me to prepare the house coz he would be inviting his friends from all over the world (asia, US, europe) to stay with us for several days.

Celebrations...

Americans - less people, less often, limited to birthdays and the major holidays, and it's over in a couple of hours.

Filipinos - everyone and their brother shows up, happens nearly every week because somebody's getting married, their baby's getting baptized or it's someone's birthday, and the party will last until you unplug the videoke machine.

...............

American spouses, your thoughts?

Pinoy/Pinays, have you noticed the differences?

[Rocky_nBullwinkle 6]

The first time I met my husband's family, we drove all the way down to Los Angeles to see them. I met my mom in law, my brothers in-law, sister in-law, my brother in-law's wife and all his kids. Although I really appreciate that they were all nice to me, I just can't help but be surprised by the way the kids talk to their parents and my mom in-law. They were so outspoken. They say everything on their mind. Very different from the way Filipino children would behave when they are with older people. We were about to have dinner then at my brother in-law's house and me and my mother in-law were talking while the kids were watching TV in the living room. My mother in-law called one of the kids to sit beside her because she wanted to tell a story and my niece looked at her and said, "No grandma. You already told me about that story many times." And then she looked at me with a warning expression on her face and said, "Grandma likes to tell stories and she's gonna repeat it over and over again until you get tired listening to her." My mother in-law was just smiling at her.

When we were kids, back in the Philippines, we were not allowed to talk that way to older people. We would received beating with the belt afterwards. When I say older people, I don't mean just the adults but older sister and brother (ate and kuya) as well. They get respect too from us. We used the word "Kayo" instead of "ka" and we say "Po" and Opo" for "Sir" and "Yes, sir".

[Psoas10 17]

No real difference here or in PI. Just that me and my friends speak alot more English while the older people speak more Ilocano and Tagalog, and the beer is ice cold here. Cold beer does not exist in PI,hehe. Also everybody drives to the party here, which could be dangerous.

[Nothing1234 2]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

Yes, you lovely Spanish-blooded Princess...it's good to see you are above it all, but gracious enough to come on here and remind us how lowly we are compared to you.

[Loolie 56]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

i dont like you...you are so arrogant...feeling smart...to tell you what...whatever high your iq is...or how perfect you are or how worthful you are...your sh## also stinks like ours.

Thank you.

[Ban Hammer 13,098]

I'd rather be at a party than squander my precious and productive time on worthless VJ, just as some people, like you, do 24/7.

i dont like you...you are so arrogant...feeling smart...to tell you what...whatever high your iq is...or how perfect you are or how worthful you are...your sh## also stinks like ours.

Thank you.

spanish poo smells like roses.

[Loolie 56]

eow...hehehhehehe...i guess i dont like roses for valentines anymore.